Page 10 - Harnett Life Summer 2022

The drying process in a dark area helps the plant retain its “Flower farming has grown so much because of COVID,” she
purple hues and most of its aroma for up to a year or a year- said. “Florists are having a hard time getting the flowers they
and-a-half, Tammy shared. need because of the trickle-down effect of when truckers were
out of work, weddings were canceled or moved, and flower
After the lavender is dry, it can be placed in waterless vases, farmers from way off had slacked off on their growth because
put in pretty tissue-paper-backed bundles and used in other we Americans were not buying. So now that florists are having
dried bouquets, wreaths and arrangements. If taking the dried a harder time getting flowers, they have turned more to local
buds off the stems, the dainty particles can be used in fra- growers like me. They call, and I pack it up and run over what
grance sachets, soaps, scrubs, candles and other crafts or, they need. My success has been due to supply chain issues and
if from the culinary lavender variety, used in lemonade, ice their decision to buy locally.”
cream, pound cake, sugar cookies and other treats.
Local, fresh flowers make everyone happy, especially Tammy
Tammy makes wonderful lavender lemonade using her fa- Currin, who is grateful for the community’s support and looks
vorite Meyer lemons she harvests from her one tree. Some at her new venture as more than just business.
of these arrangements, crafts and products are sold at Purple
Bloomers seasonally when in stock, while others are in the “It has never been about how much profit we can make,” she
works. Tammy added a few special activities to the farm tours said. “It’s therapy; it’s doing something that is going to put a
this year, like a visiting kettle corn truck, a face painting event smile on someone’s face. That’s what Purple Bloomers is all
and even music in the fields from local high school flutists. about.”
To keep up to date on the farm’s products and offerings, visit
https://www.facebook.com/purplebloomerslavenderfarm.

Happy customers can frequent the front porch “flower bar”
Tammy opens for visitors during the tour times, so they can
make and purchase bouquets they build from her cut flower
selections. She and her mother, Shelby West, also make ar-
rangements and bouquets to sell, though she prefers to leave
that part up to her mom.

“With the floral arranging, my mom helps me with that; I am
too critical of my work. I would rather sow, plant, grow and
sell the flowers.”

Tammy also supplies flowers to some local florists who have
begun to source from her more and more since the pandemic.

Page 9 Page 10 Harnett Life ~ Summer 2022